Rated: Fiction T (Teen) (PG-13) - English - Romance/Adventure - Sonic & Amy

Summary

Throughout the years Eggman has grown cruel and malicious. The rivalry between him and Sonic has changed from a friendly one to a deadly one. When a rescue mission goes horribly wrong, the Sonic Team are left to grieve over the loss of the worlds greatest hero and their beloved best friend. With nobody left to stop Eggman, the world is cast into darkness and suppression. Five years later, hope is revived within the remnants of the Sonic Team as Shadow thinks of a plan he feels is the only way to stop Eggman. Shadow then has his hands full when he has to work with his "little" secret weapon much to the worry of a still grieving and paranoid Amy Rose.

Chapter One - The Loss of a Hero

Sonic's feet pounded heavily onto the cold metallic floor as he sped throughout Eggman's base with much haste. A booming siren filled the cobalt hedgehog's sensitive ears as he boosted throughout corridors and took out handfuls of robots that stood in his way. He had a stern, serious, and somewhat worried look upon his face. His expression of wavering confidence and uncertainty was foreign and unusual for him but given the circumstances at hand it was justified. The base was gloomy and dark with only the lights from various machines and monitors to provide him enough light to see where he was going. The morbid base was a massive labyrinth and he was beginning to feel a little uneasy and concerned as to which way to go. He couldn't afford to waste any more time.

"Don't worry Amy…I'm coming." Sonic thought to himself confidently. He felt his adrenaline rushing throughout his veins as he pushed himself to hurry to her aid. Sonic was feeling a bit frustrated with himself. He blamed himself for Amy's current situation. If he hadn't left her alone like he did she would probably still be at home nice and safe. Then again…it seems that isn't really the case here. It has become apparent that Eggman had been watching him for some time now. Just waiting to make his move and seize the perfect opportunity when it called to him.

Throughout the years Sonic and Eggman had been playing the same charade of good versus evil time and time again. But things have taken a drastically different turn. Over the years their once seemingly playful rivalry amongst each other has taken on a much darker tone. As Sonic continued to thwart all of Eggman's plans, Eggman had begun to slowly succumb into madness. With each new scheme he created he was hell bent on claiming Sonic's or his closest friend's lives whatever the cost. It seems with his advancing age he has become much more desperate and developed an even deeper loathing towards the Sonic Team than he already had. What once was an exciting adventure to Sonic has turned into desperation to protect the innocent and the ones closest to him.

As Sonic turned another corner, red sirens on the ceiling greeted him with their loud piercing cries and blaring bright light. The once darkened area was now basked in red light and Sonic knew he was getting closer to his desired destination. He slid beneath a crack under a security door that had failed to shut properly and pressed onward. Sonic had the help from his best buddy and adopted brother Tails who flew him to Eggman's hidden base in the Tornado II. He knew it was only a matter of time before his friends found him within the base and assisted him in Amy Rose's rescue.

Eventually, Sonic found himself in a rather large circular room. It was eerily silent; the only sounds within the room were coming from nearby control panels and security monitors. Sonic blinked a few times trying to allow his eyes to adjust to this newfound darkness. Something didn't quite feel right here and he was feeling his stomach beginning to churn in unease. Suddenly, a bright neon green light illuminated the room in the shape of a spot light and focused its attention on the nearby wall in front of him. There Sonic saw Amy Rose shackled and bound to the wall breathing heavily and looking down to the floor in defeat. She looked bruised and battered and a small amount of blood had begun trickling down from the corner of her mouth. Sonic's eyes widened in surprise and he felt his heart beginning to race.

"Amy!" He called as he ran over to her. Amy lifted her head up weakly as she recognized his voice and found herself staring right into his gleaming emerald orbs. "Sonic…you came for me…" She whispered softly feeling her heart beginning to flutter. "Of course I did. I always do, don't I?" He stated with confidence and a soft reassuring smile as he began trying to free her of her shackles.

Amy's eyes began to brim with fresh tears and she tried her hardest to suppress them. She was so happy to see Sonic, her love, come to her rescue. Just like he always did. He never failed her and she doubted he ever will. "Don't worry Ames…we'll be outta here in no time." He reassured her as he noticed her oncoming tears. "Don't cry…everything's gonna be fine." He whispered comfortingly as he wiped some loose tears away with his thumb. The two stared at one another for a moment. Amy smiled weakly wishing more than anything to fall into his warm embrace. Sonic caressed her cheek unconsciously as he felt himself getting lost in the deep pools of her jade colored eyes.

After a few more moments, Sonic pulled his hand away much to Amy's disappointment and went back to the task at hand. He used all his strength to tear open the bonds on her legs and successfully freed them. Now she was just hanging with her hands being held above her head. "Almost done…" He claimed as he quickly went to work on the bonds holding her hands together. "Hurry Sonic…" Amy said in a worried tone. Her temporary relief and happiness left her as she remembered their current situation and the reason why she was in this predicament. They had to hurry…Eggman was planning to do something horrible to Sonic. Kidnapping her…everything he's done…it has all been a set up made specifically for her cobalt hero.

Suddenly, a sinister voice filled the silent room. "Well…well…if it isn't my old friend Sonic." The familiar voice spat venomously. Immediately upon hearing the voice Sonic tensed up. His quills stiffened and his hands clenched into tight fists. Amy whimpered silently as her fears were becoming realized. Sonic turned his head to face his nemesis. Eggman was sitting inside an immense red mech encased in a chrome finishing. The giant machine towered over the two hedgehogs that stood as tall as its ankles. The machine was fully decorated with weapons of mass destruction and guns to annihilate anything that stood in its path. What grasped Sonic's attention the most however, was the large neon green glowing light encased within the center of the giant machine. It was unmistakable. It was none other than the Master Emerald.

"Eggman…" Sonic said through gritted teeth. He was furious and that was putting it lightly. Nobody hurt Amy and got away with it. The old Eggman would never harm anybody with the exception of probably Sonic himself. With the Master Emerald in Eggman's possession, Sonic knew it was only a matter of time before ol' Knucklehead showed up to the scene. "Sorry to ruin your little reunion…but I do believe I have a little surprise made just for you Sonic." Eggman said with a malicious grin plastered onto his face. His finger's combed through his greying mustache as he glared intently at the enraged cobalt hedgehog. Sonic got into a fighting position and gave Eggman a cold stare of his own. "You've gone too far this time Eggman!" Sonic shouted angrily. Eggman only laughed heavily as though he were mocking him. "Have I? I believe I'm just getting started!" Eggman shouted with a hint of excitement in his voice.

Without further hesitation, Sonic ran head on towards Eggman's mech. "No! Sonic it's a trap!" Amy yelled as a new batch of tears threatened her eyes. She struggled to get her hands free of the shackles that restrained her. She had to help Sonic. Sonic heard her voice from behind him but ignored it. He knew it was a trap. He was well aware of what Eggman's intentions were and that was to claim his life. Eggman grinned wickedly as he pressed a red button on the control panel in front of him. Within seconds a massive gun made itself known and began shooting at Sonic relentlessly. Sonic was able to outrun and dodge the bullets with ease. "You're gonna have to do better than that Egghead!" Sonic taunted. With a simple lift of a switch the gun was quickly replaced with that of a giant drill that quickly made its way towards the blue hedgehog. "Let's see you try and avoid this Sonic!" Eggman shouted dementedly.

Tails circled the skies overlooking the hidden base below him. Just a couple of minutes prior Sonic had been standing on the edge of the wing looking down at their destination. Tails couldn't help but notice the angry, solemn, and dangerous expression Sonic was exhibiting. He had never seen his best friend and big brother look so vengeful before. It was out of character for him and Tails couldn't help but feel a little unsettled.

"Sonic…" Tails asked in a cautious tone. Sonic snapped out of the trance he was in and looked up at his little brother. "Yeah buddy?" Tails paused for a moment before replying. "Are you alright?" Sonic looked at him for a moment. "Yeah I'm just fine." He stated with a cool and calm voice. He gave his little brother a fake half grin and thumbs up to further reassure him. Tails was only half convinced but said nothing more.

Soon after that Sonic leaped from the wing of the plane and made his way into the base. Tails lingered behind as he fought off oncoming missiles and rockets sent out by Eggman to stop him. Tails managed to buy Sonic some time and was now trying to find a safe place to land. Sonic's change in demeanor was still bothering him. What had Sonic so riled up like that? Amy's been kidnapped more times than anyone could count over the years and Sonic had never reacted like that beforehand. Before Tails could ponder on it further he noticed a familiar red echidna standing in front of what he presumed was the entrance to the base.

Tails made a smooth landing on the rugged, mountainous terrain and quickly turned the plane off. He removed his pilot helmet and hastily tossed it into the seat as he hopped out. He quickly ran in the direction he had last seen Knuckles in hopes of catching up to him. Tails was in such a rush to find his friend he failed to notice the agitated echidna standing right before him and crashed right into him. Tails went pummeling to the hard ground while Knuckles merely stood there as though he were never touched at all. "Hey…what's the big idea…?" Knuckles yelled in annoyance as he turned around. His hard stare softened when he noticed the yellow fox lying on the ground beside him. "Tails…?" He asked in confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you the same thing actually." Tails said as he got up from the ground and dusted himself off. Knuckles clenched his fists and narrowed his eyes as he turned his attention back on the base entrance. "That bastard Eggman stole the Master Emerald from me." Tails' eyes widened in mild surprise. "He did? When did this happen?" He asked wanting to know more. "Just last night and I came to get it back." Knuckles grit his teeth and felt the fury building up inside of him. Tails was silent for a moment before speaking again. "How did he manage to get ahold of it? What were you doing when this was all happening?" Knuckles was silent and Tails could have sworn he saw his cheeks turn a faint red.

"I was uh…err…I-it doesn't matter!" He stuttered, quickly wanting to change the subject. "…I have a bad feeling Tails…I think Eggman is up to something." Knuckles stated grimly.

"So do I. He kidnapped Amy and now Sonic went on ahead after her." Tails stated factually.

"I was wondering where ol' blue boy was." Knuckles cracked a slight smirk.

The two were silent for a moment as they took in their surroundings. Something just felt horribly off. The sky was grey and ominous and the air was chilly and unnerving. Tails was beginning to feel uneasy and was starting to worry about Sonic's welfare. Knuckles on the other hand, was beginning to feel that this dreary atmosphere had something to do with the Master Emerald. The very thought of that only fueled the echidna's anger more. He had to retrieve the Master Emerald and restore Angel Island which was no longer in the sky but in the center of the ocean.

Knuckles clenched his fists and let out a grunt of frustration. "What are we doing standing around here for!" He yelled as he began walking towards the base entrance. "R-right, let's go!" Tails chipped in and followed close behind.

"Sonic…I hope everything's okay…" He thought to himself in worry.

Sonic dodged another incoming attack from Eggman. He inhaled sharply and wiped the small amount of blood from the corner of his mouth. He had been trying to destroy Eggman's mech and it was proving to be difficult. Eggman was using the power from the Master Emerald to power up his machine making it much more powerful and indestructible. Sonic could hear Amy's cries from across the room and it pained him. He had to hurry and get her out of there. Eggman had been giving him everything his new monstrosity had to offer him: guns, drills, electrical beams, missiles, and even grenades. Despite his failure to mortally wound the hedgehog, Eggman seemed to be thoroughly enjoying this. His smile was filled with malice, contempt and sheer pleasure out of trying to kill him. If Sonic could pick a time where it could be like the good old days now would definitely be the time.

The two were now at a standoff. Both were just waiting for the other to make the first move. Eggman's beady little eyes gleamed through his spectacles and a malevolent smirk tugged at his lips. "I think that's enough games for now. It's time to give you your surprise Sonic." He said through wicked laughter. Eggman then turned his full attention to the pink hedgehog who was still struggling to free her hands of the shackles that constrained her. Sonic's eyes widened in fear and he felt his heart stop.

No…

Eggman got his mech in position and couldn't control his demented laughter. Amy looked up at the mad man in fear. Tears were streaming down both of her cheeks like waterfalls and she froze as she glanced at the giant machine only a few feet in front of her. "S-Sonic!" She screamed in terror. Sonic began to panic. "Eggman! Stop! She has nothing to do with this!" But Eggman only chuckled darkly at Sonic's response. "You and I both know that isn't true." He flipped a couple of switches and both hedgehogs noticed the Master Emerald in the center beginning to glow a bright ominous light. The sounds of an electrical current charging filled everyone's ears and Sonic looked back towards Amy, his heart now beating faster than he could run.

"Amy!" He screamed. Without another thought he ran to her side. Wanting nothing more but to protect her and keep her safe from harm. He vowed to always protect her didn't he? He wouldn't allow anyone or anything to hurt her. Even if it cost him his very life, he would keep her safe. Sonic stood in front of Amy and shielded her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed himself tightly against her. She whimpered in his embrace and he could feel her trembling in his arms. Amy looked up fearfully into Sonic's emerald eyes and he tried his hardest to comfort her.

"Sonic!" She cried as the sounds of the powerful beam began to grow louder. The two of them knew the blast was coming at any moment. "Ames…Amy listen to me…Everything's gonna be okay…You're gonna be okay. I promise you." He told her firmly with a serious expression and voice. He wasn't just trying to comfort her either. He meant everything he said. She will be okay. He'll make sure of it. He closed his eyes as the sounds of her crying filled his ears and he awaited the inevitable.

Within the next second, the beam finished charging and shot off at full force at the intended target. The powerful ray hit Sonic spot on and he screamed out in severe anguish. Electricity surged throughout his body and he felt as though his whole body was on fire. Despite his pain, he continued to hold himself up against the wall taking full impact of the hit in order to protect Amy. Tears filled Sonic's eyes as the beam continued to burn away at his flesh and the room was filled with his screams of agony. Amy was forced to endure and watch in sheer horror as her hero and love was suffering and slowly dying for her sake. The Master Emerald was beginning to become unstable. Blue electrical currents swirled around it and sparks began emanating from it. Eggman's mech was beginning to malfunction and shut down. He slammed his fists down on the control panel in anger and frustration. This wasn't supposed to happen.

"What…? What's going on? What's the meaning of this?" Eggman shouted as the power began to fail. The monitors were fading in and out and the words were appearing as gibberish. He began to quickly press buttons, flip switches, and tried typing in commands to get his mech back in his control but to no avail. He growled in agitation as his plan seemed to be failing just like all of his other failed ideas and attempts to conquer the world. "No! I won't fail this time!" He screeched as he tried to regain some control. He turned a dial on the control panel and amped up the power being released from the Master Emerald. He was being driven completely by rage and insanity. Sonic's screams increased and seemed to echo throughout the entire base. For Eggman, Sonic's pleading cries of agony was music to his ears. He was originally going to fire his beam at Amy with the intention of breaking Sonic from within but this worked out much better than he was initially expecting.

The electricity began to flicker all throughout the base and the walls shook fiercely as though there was an immense earthquake taking place. It was a miracle the building hadn't collapsed on them yet from the sheer force and power at work. The room was suddenly engulfed in a blinding bright green light and Eggman had to shield his eyes. Amy was completely oblivious to the happenings outside of the neon green beam that was engulfing her and Sonic. She let out pain filled cries as she was forced to witness Sonic suffering. In the next minute or so, the beam was beginning to diminish and weaken. The bright light that engulfed the room began to fade as the Master Emerald's power had been exhausted. The room suddenly fell into an eerie silence. Eggman slowly opened his eyes to see what had happened. There before him was a burned wall with small flames lightly burning on the ground directly beneath it. Attached to the wall was a sobbing and whimpering pink hedgehog that looked unscathed to the damage that had been done all around her. But something was missing. Where was the motionless, burnt corpse of Sonic the Hedgehog?

If he had successfully murdered the cobalt nuisance he wanted to bask in the glory. He wanted to see it for himself and take it all in. He glanced around the half destroyed room half expecting to see the blue rodent come at him completely unharmed. After so many years of failure, that was a normal reaction, a habit he had fallen into. Sonic never failed. The blue bastard never died no matter what he did or tried. But after moments of waiting, the room was still silent and unmoving. Did he really do it? Did he really kill Sonic? After so many years of failed attempts did he finally for once in his life succeed? Eggman was a bit dumbfounded and astonished at his own victory.

Amy was afraid to open her eyes. She was afraid to see something that will haunt her for the rest of her life. She didn't feel Sonic's warmth anymore. His strong yet gentle hands were no longer wrapped around her waist and even the faintest sound of him breathing was nonexistent. She took in an unsteady breath of air and prepared herself for what she may not want to see. Amy slowly opened her eyes feeling her heart pounding heavily into her chest but found nothing to look at. All she saw were small burning flames beneath her and debris. It was as though Sonic had simply disappeared altogether. As if he had never been there in the first place.

Amy's eyes brimmed with fresh tears as realization hit her and Eggman's heartless, cruel laughter rang throughout her ears. "Sonic…" She whimpered softly. Her unshed tears were beginning to build in her eyes. "No…he can't be…This isn't happening!" Her inner thoughts screamed at her. Eggman hopped out of the top of his mech and began gleefully celebrating his biggest victory yet: the death of Sonic the Hedgehog. "I did it!" He exclaimed in astonishment. "I actually did it!" Amy's body began shaking uncontrollably as Eggman's words continued to stab at her heart. "No…" She said so softly it was almost inaudible. He couldn't be…He just couldn't. She shook her head in denial as she continued to fight back her tears. Any minute now he'll come running out and rescue her. He'll surprise everyone and be completely unscathed.

"The beam must've burnt him to a crisp! Eggman chanted happily to himself aloud. "There's nothing left of him!" He continued to gloat and laugh maliciously, like a bad boy getting all the gifts on Christmas day instead of coal. Eggman's latest statement did a number to Amy's mental and emotional state at that moment. She shook her head defiantly. "No…" She cried in a louder voice. "NO!" She screamed, her voice echoing throughout the half destroyed room. "NO! SONIC! NO!" She continued to scream. The dam finally broke and all her held back tears were unleashed in a fury. Her entire face was soaked as she began to sob uncontrollably. This couldn't be happening. This wasn't possible! It just wasn't! This couldn't be the end. It just couldn't be.

Amy sunk her head low in defeat as she felt her heart shatter and break into millions of pieces. The love of her life was possibly gone forever and it was all her fault. If it wasn't for her…none of this would have ever happened. She continued to blame herself as the tears flowed out of her now reddened eyes. Her hot, salty tears began to drip from her face and fall to the floor as though it were raining. Eggman would have continued his small victory dance if it weren't for the sounds of familiar voices filling his ears from afar. He looked around his destroyed hidden sanctuary, his now unresponsive broken down mech, and for the time being, power exhausted Master Emerald. It was time to make a fast and steady retreat before Sonic's little friends showed up to rain on his parade.

Eggman quickly hopped back into his mech and slammed his fist down on the eject button. Out he went from the motionless machine in his Eggomatic and slowly hovered over towards the compartment that stored the Master Emerald. A large claw came out from a compartment down beneath and latched itself onto the dimmed green gem in a firm, tight grasp. With a strong tug, the gem was freed from its containment chamber and carried off steadily beneath the Eggomatic. Now that Sonic was finally out of the way he can start taking his plans into the next phase. Nobody will be left to stop him now. There was nothing left to stand in his way. For now he will retreat before he made his next move.

Eggman turned his attention to the inconsolable Amy Rose and smiled darkly. "I'll let you go this time, you pink brat, but the next time we meet you won't be so lucky." He stated in a cold, monotonous voice. And with that, he left. Amy continued to weep in utter despair. She hardly paid any attention to Eggman's last words or departure. She was so grief stricken with what had just happened. It was obvious she was going into a state of shock.

"Amy!" A familiar voice yelled. Amy lifted her tear stained face to look into the cerulean eyes of none other than Tails. She saw Knuckles quickly trailing behind, looking around the room no doubt looking for Eggman and the Master Emerald. Amy looked distantly at Tails and began to cry quietly to herself once more. Tails was beginning to feel uncomfortable whereas Knuckles seemed more confused. "…Amy…? Amy what's wrong?" Tails asked gently. Amy continued to remain silent and softly cried. Knuckles walked over and wordlessly freed Amy of the bonds that held her arms to the wall. She slid to the floor weakly and felt slight relief at her now sore arms finally being freed.

As Amy continued to be unresponsive Tails and Knuckles exchanged uneasy looks. "…Where's Sonic?" Tails asked, feeling his stomach beginning to churn. It was obvious something was wrong here and his big brother's absence was making him feel even more anxious. After hearing that question Amy broke into hysterics. Tails slowly backed away, afraid of what Amy's odd behavior was signifying. Knuckles knelt down in front of Amy and shook her shoulders a little more roughly than he had intended to. "Hey! Get a hold of yourself! Snap out of it and tell us what happened already!" Knuckles yelled. Although he came off as frustrated, he too was very concerned with the odd behavior Amy was exhibiting and Sonic's mysterious absence.

"S-S-Sonic's…" Amy choked as more tears filled her eyes. Just saying or hearing his name stabbed at her heart. She went limp in Knuckles hold as her heartache and agony overwhelmed her. She felt sick to her stomach and her eyes burned. "H-He's…" She trailed off. She couldn't say it. Saying it would make it true. Saying it would make it definite. "He's what!" Knuckles exclaimed, shaking her a little. "Knuckles…" Tails tried to intervene. He was dreading what Amy was about to say. He wasn't sure if he could handle whatever it was she was trying to tell them. "H-He's…He's…g-g-gone…" Amy stammered. After finally saying it, she sobbed into a bewildered Knuckles shoulder, yearning for some comfort and warmth. Tails' eyes grew wide and he felt the world stop. "…What?"